Temperatures have crossed 50C in parts of northern and central India as the country grapples with extreme heatwave conditions.
This week, more than 37 cities in the country recorded temperatures over 45C.
On Tuesday, the temperature in the capital Delhi's Narela and Mungeshpur areas hit a record-breaking 49.9C.
India's weather office has issued a severe heatwave alert for parts of the city.
![Getty Images A shopkeeper selling table fans waits for customers at a market on a hot summer day in Varanasi on May 27, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/3112/live/6610abd0-1d81-11ef-99fa-652da31674c0.jpg.webp)
A consumer court in Delhi stopped hearing cases on Tuesday after the judge said it was too hot to work without air conditioning.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-817-1024x683.png)
Churu in the western state of Rajasthan and Sirsa in the northern Haryana state were among the hottest places in the country, with temperatures over 50C.
Rajasthan's Jaipur city reported three deaths due to heat stroke on Tuesday.
![Getty Images A construction worker quenches his thirst as he takes a break, amid the ongoing intense heatwave on a hot summer day along the bank of the river Yamuna, in New Delhi.](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a5c6/live/b1694e70-1d81-11ef-99fa-652da31674c0.jpg.webp)
Indian summers, which extend from March to September, are usually hot and humid.
But the weather department has said the country is likely to experience longer and more intense heatwaves this year.
This month, the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat saw nine to 12 days of heat wave, with temperatures between 45-50C, it said.
![Getty Images A vendor with an umbrella over his head talks on mobile phone as he wipes his face with a cloth on a hot summer day in Varanasi on May 27, 2024](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7d84/live/7b7979c0-1d81-11ef-99fa-652da31674c0.jpg.webp)
In June, maximum temperatures are likely to remain above normal, India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said this week, adding that northwestern India is expected to see heatwave conditions for four to six days compared with three normally.
The IMD has also predicted an above-average monsoon season for the country this year.
The monsoon is forecast to hit the coast of the southern state of Kerala on 31 May.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
4 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
5 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
6 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours